Held at the historic Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn) in the Heart of Sharjah district
Sharjah, January 29, 2025
His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, has inaugurated the Sharjah Public Libraries (SPL) centennial celebration under the theme ‘100 Years of Stories’. The official ceremony, held at the historic Sharjah Fort (Al Hisn), commemorates 100 years since Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr bin Khalid Al Qasimi established Sharjah’s first library.
In his address, His Highness conveyed his joy at the centennial celebration, reminiscing about events from decades past. He spoke fondly of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, praising him as an exceptional individual — first and foremost as a person, beyond being a ruler. His Highness shared personal anecdotes, recounting Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr’s incredible generosity and kindness, which he had experienced firsthand, especially during the founder’s later years. These heartfelt reflections offered a glimpse into the deep-rooted history and personal connections that have shaped Sharjah’s cultural landscape over the past century.
His Highness painted a vivid picture of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi as a leader of exceptional character. He recounted an incident where Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr’s clothes were stained by spoiled meat thrown by a disgruntled citizen who had purchased the item from a seller. Instead of anger, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr responded with grace, refunding the man and offering gentle advice before quietly changing his clothes and returning to his duties as if nothing had happened.
The Ruler of Sharjah highlighted Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr’s wisdom through another anecdote, where during a tense moment in the library, His Highness’s father, Sheikh Mohammed bin Saqr Al Qasimi was about to take drastic action, and with calm authority, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr reminded him, “No, Mohammed, this is not permissible. These are your people, no matter what.” His Highness emphasised that these words and actions left a profound and lasting impact.
His Highness also described Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi as a distinguished intellectual and avid reader whose Nabati poetry was noted for its grammatical precision. His personal library, which His Highness inherited, became the cornerstone of Sharjah’s library system, and after several relocations, it found its permanent home in the Cultural Square. Through endeavors like the Home Library initiative, its influence has spread throughout Sharjah, leading to the establishment of thousands of home libraries across the emirate.
His Highness drew a poignant parallel between Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s library adjoining his bedroom and his own similar arrangement, pondering whether this was mere coincidence or a cherished tradition. He eloquently described books as enduring companions that inspire joy, laughter, and contemplation. With a note of concern, His Highness observed the nation’s gradual drift from knowledge and, more fundamentally, from faith, attributing this trend to the increasing allure of worldly distractions.
His Highness concluded by acknowledging the library being celebrated as the foundation of Sharjah’s literary heritage. He expressed gratitude to those who preserved it and prayed for its founder and contributors. The Ruler of Sharjah encouraged everyone to advance in knowledge, ensuring future generations match the intellectual achievements of their ancestors, who spent their best years pursuing knowledge.
His Highness then shared the inspiring story of Sheikh Ghanem bin Salem Al Shamsi’s quest for knowledge. This journey took Sheikh Ghanem from Makkah to the Levant and Iraq, where he sought out and studied under renowned scholars, despite the challenges of travel in those times.
Drawing a contrast to the present day, His Highness emphasised the unprecedented accessibility of knowledge in our era. He urged the current generation to take full advantage of these opportunities, encouraging them to pursue learning and personal growth with the same dedication as their predecessors.
The Ruler of Sharjah concluded the centennial celebration with a powerful call to action, and expressed heartfelt gratitude to all those involved in organising the momentous event, emphasising the collective responsibility of preserving Sharjah’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage. His Highness urged everyone to work together in developing a comprehensive approach to cultural preservation so that libraries continue to serve as beacons of knowledge and enlightenment.
Celebrating 100 years of stories
The centennial celebration commenced with a grand entrance by His Highness at the Heart of Sharjah where The Ruler was greeted with a display of traditional folk performances and a ceremonial equestrian guard. A procession of horse riders also accompanied His Highness, adding to the event’s grandeur.
His Highness was received by His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah; Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of the Sharjah Book Authority; Sheikha Hoor bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President and Director of Sharjah Art Foundation; Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Finance Department; Sheikh Khalid bin Abdullah bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Sharjah Ports, Customs and Free Zones Authority; and Sheikh Abdulrahman bin Salem Al Qasimi.
His Highness was also received by Sheikh Salem bin Abdulrahman Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Ruler’s Office; Sheikh Khalid bin Issam Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Civil Aviation Department; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamid Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; Sheikh Majid bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Districts Affairs Department; Sheikh Saeed bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Head of the Ruler’s Office in Khorfakkan; Sheikh Haitham bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Deputy Head of the Ruler’s Office in Kalba; Sheikh Saud bin Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Director-General of the Sharjah Digital Department; Sheikha Nawar bint Ahmed Al Qasimi, Director of the Sharjah Art Foundation; Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah bin Salem Al Qasimi, Director of the Department of Statistics and Community Development; along with senior officials, intellectuals, and writers.
His Highness commenced the centennial celebration with a warm welcome to attendees, followed by a performance by the Sharjah Military Band. The event continued with a guided tour of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s Western House ‘Al Bait Al Gharbi’, where His Highness and guests explored the historic library, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s study, and other sections that have been transformed into an open exhibition showcasing aspects of Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s life and cultural heritage.
Following this, His Highness inaugurated the Sharjah Museum of Education at the Al Qasimia School, the UAE’s first established school in the early 1940s. The ceremony began with a children’s performance celebrating Arab unity and patriotism and was then followed by a tour.
His Highness explored the museum’s exhibits, which include preserved classrooms that originally served students from grades one to five, with a special classroom dedicated to female students. The visit held personal significance for His Highness, who himself studied at the school in the fifth grade.
His Highness was briefed on the museum’s exhibits, which feature the early history of Al Qasimia School, originally known as Al Islah Al Qasimia School. Other exhibits highlight the evolution of education in Sharjah between 1951 and 1956, the development and expansion of female education, historical learning tools such as books and curricula, and a dedicated learning room offering educational workshops.
At the Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s Stables, located next to the reconstructed Sharjah Fort at its original site, His Highness watched a performance featuring Arabian horses, presented in several segments. Following this, His Highness proceeded to Sharjah Fort Square, where he watched traditional performances by various folk groups from the UAE and Oman. The performances presented a vibrant artistic display reflecting the region’s rich cultural heritage.
His Highness then proceeded to Sharjah Fort, where he unveiled the commemorative plaque for the Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi Library Centennial, marking the beginning of a year-long celebration. His Highness also inaugurated the Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi Library on the ground floor of Sharjah Fort.
During the fort tour, His Highness explored exhibits showcasing Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi’s personal belongings, official attire, and a collection of his photographs. The exhibits also feature historical artefacts documenting the fort’s role in Sharjah’s history. Additionally, His Highness attended the screening of a 1937 British Imperial Airways documentary chronicling the historic landing of the Hanno aircraft at Sharjah Airport on October 5, 1932.
His Highness also attended a theatrical performance by the American University of Sharjah students titled “The Pawned Dagger,” adapted from a chapter in his novel of the same name. The performance reflects key moments from his youth and narrates His Highness’s early love for books, which began in his uncle’s library, Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi. His growing passion for reading eventually led him to pawn his golden dagger to buy books and build his library.
The SPL centennial celebration is organised in collaboration with Mubadara, Sharjah Heritage Institute, Sharjah Museums Authority, American University of Sharjah, Sharjah Broadcasting Authority, Sharjah Equestrian & Racing Club, Sharjah Private Education Authority, and Sharjah Police General Directorate.
To commemorate this historic milestone, SPL has unveiled a year-long programme for 2025 in collaboration with over 13 entities that reflects its rich history, vital societal role, and forward-looking vision. The programme includes symposiums, exhibitions, “Authors Under the Spotlight” sessions, and workshops catering to all community members across four key themes: Literary Beginnings, highlighting the foundations of Sharjah’s cultural renaissance; Cultural Civilisation, hosting workshops related to public libraries; and Cultural Civilisation, hosting workshops about public libraries. Meanwhile, theHorizons of Literature and Poetry theme honours the legacy of early literary pioneers, and Cultural Sustainability showcases Sharjah’s enduring cultural values.
The history of Sharjah Public Libraries
Founded in 1925 by Sheikh Sultan bin Saqr Al Qasimi, then Ruler of Sharjah, SPL — originally known as Al Qasimia Library — was established within Sharjah Fort. In 1951, Sheikh Saqr bin Sultan Al Qasimi assumed its management, and the library remained in the fort until 1956 before being relocated to the Al Mudheef building in the fort’s courtyard, which also served administrative functions. Under Sheikh Khalid bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the library continued to evolve before being transferred to His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, who played a pivotal role in expanding its reach.
In 1980, the library moved to the upper floor of Africa Hall under the name Sharjah Public Libraries before relocating to the Sharjah Cultural Centre in 1987. In 1998, it was transferred to University City, and in 2011, it underwent a major transformation with the opening of its state-of-the-art headquarters in Cultural Square.
Today, SPL operates branches in Kalba, Dibba Al Hisn, Khor Fakkan, Al Dhaid, and Wadi Al Helo. These branches are equipped with modern technologies and cater to diverse community groups, fostering a reading culture and bolstering Sharjah’s role as a global cultural hub. Over the past century, SPL has been a cornerstone of the emirate’s development, empowering generations with access to knowledge and inspiring a brighter future.
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